Mayor Fred Grant and Jeff Craig, who are both running for committee re-election, claim to have lowered our debt by 15 percent. But in dollars, our debt has increased by about $6.7 million over the last three years.

In 2010, the interest payment due for the money borrowed as a township is $355,000. This means that the average local purpose tax on 581 homes solely pays the interest on our debt.

Republican challengers James Philbin and Stephen Bottiglieri get it. They recognize the need for a long-term commitment of tightly controlled borrowing and spending. They have even vowed to eliminate salaries for township committee members, underscoring their concern for austerity.

In their own words, they want to be public servants, not public employees.

Don’t be fooled by the slick advertising of their well-funded opponents. Many of these claims are misleading or false.

Municipalities must control borrowing and spending or property taxes will continue to rise.

Philbin and Bottiglieri have the knowledge, skill and strength of character to make that happen. They need your support on Nov. 2.